Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station

ABSTRACT

A cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station to which the vacuum cleaner is dockable. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle, a dust collector, and an extension pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the dust collector. The docking station is configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, charge the vacuum cleaner. The docking station includes a main body including a housing, a suction portion inside the main body and configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, remove foreign substances in the dust collector, a recessed portion recessed from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing, and a supporter coupled to the housing to support the main body and forming an accommodation space. The recessed portion and the accommodation space are configured so that, to dock the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, a portion of the extension pipe is accommodated in the recessed portion and the suction nozzle is accommodated in the accommodation space at one side of the main body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2021/013598, filed on Oct. 5, 2021, and is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0166717, filed on Dec. 2, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates to a cleaning device having a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, and more specifically, to a docking station having an improved structure to automatically discharge internal dust while charging a vacuum cleaner and a cleaning device having the same.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, a vacuum cleaner is a device which includes a fan motor generating a suction force and sucks foreign substances, such as dust, along with air through a suction force generated by the fan motor. In addition, a vacuum cleaner is a device that separates foreign substances included in suctioned air and then collects dust to perform cleaning.

These vacuum cleaner include a dust collector that collects foreign substances. Since the capacity of the dust collector is limited, a user needs to periodically separate foreign substances collected in the dust collector from the vacuum cleaner and discharge the dust from the dust collector.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a cleaning device includes (a) a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle, a dust collector and an extension pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the dust collector, and (b) a docking station to which the vacuum cleaner is dockable, and being configured to, which the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, charge the vacuum cleaner. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the docking station includes a main body including a housing, a suction portion inside the main body and configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, remove foreign substances collected in the dust collector, a recessed portion recessed from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing, and a supporter coupled to the housing to support the main body and forming an accommodation space, wherein the recessed portion and the accommodation space are configured so that, to dock the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, a portion of the extension pipe is accommodated in the recessed portion and the suction nozzle is accommodated in the accommodation space at one side of the main body.

The docking station may include a docking frame coupled to the housing and configured so that, to dock the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, the dust collector is seated on the docking frame, and a charge terminal mounted on the docking frame. The vacuum cleaner may further include a charging portion between the dust collector and the extension pipe and configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, receive power from the charging terminal.

The docking station may further include a switch coupled to the docking frame and configured to receive a dust discharge signal, and a rod driving portion configured to operate based on a signal transmitted by the switch.

The docking station may further include a duct configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, move foreign substances collected in the dust collector to a dust bag, the duct including a recessed surface recessed from the outside to the inside, and a driving portion seating space formed on an outside of the duct by the recessed surface.

The rod driving portion may be accommodated in the driving portion seating space.

The dust collector may include a cover that is rotatable to open and close the dust collector. The rod driving portion may include a push rod configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, press the cover.

The duct may include a rod passage hole formed in the recessed surface so that the push rod can ascend and descend through the duct.

The rod driving portion may include a rod driving motor configured to generate power and a connecting rod having one end coupled to the rod driving motor and an other end coupled to the push rod so as to transmit the power to the push rod.

The connecting rod may include a protrusion extending toward the push rod. The push rod may include an interference portion configured to allow the protrusion to be inserted thereinto.

The suction portion may include a driving device configured to provide power to generate a suction force. The rod driving motor and the driving device may be configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, operate to discharge dust from the dust collector as a signal is applied to the switch.

The push rod may be configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, descend to release the pressure on the cover as the signal is applied to the switch.

The supporter may include a fixing portion configured to accommodate a power supply unit and forming a bottom surface of the docking station, and a rotating portion having an upper part coupled to the main body and a lower part coupled to the fixing portion, the rotation portion being rotatable with respect to the fixing portion.

The rotating portion may include a first frame coupled to the housing, a side frame coupled to an edge of the first frame, and a moving frame coupled to a lower portion of the side frame and configured to come into contact with a rail frame of the fixing portion.

The first frame may include a support portion configured to be coupled to the housing, an extension portion obliquely extending downward from one end of the support portion and a nozzle seating portion connected to the extension portion and including a surface facing the support portion, the nozzle seating portion forming the accommodation space between the support portion and the nozzle seating portion.

The vacuum cleaner, the main body of the docking station, and the rotating portion of docking station may be, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, rotatable with respect to the fixing portion as one part.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle, a dust collector, and an extension pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the dust collector, and a docking station provided to seat the vacuum cleaner thereon, wherein the docking station includes a main body, a supporter provided to support the main body, wherein the main body includes a docking frame including a charging terminal accommodating a portion of the dust collector and supplying power to the vacuum cleaner, a housing coupled to the docking frame and a recessing portion formed to be recessed from an outside of the housing and an inside of the housing, wherein the supporter includes a fixing portion forming a bottom surface and a rotating portion coupled to the main body and provided to be rotatable with respect to the fixing portion, the rotating portion forming an accommodation space in which the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is accommodated.

The docking station may further include a switch coupled to the docking frame and provided to receive a dust discharge signal from the outside, and a rod driving portion operating based on a signal transmitted by the switch.

The dust collector may include a cover provided to be rotatable to open and close the dust collector. The rod driving portion may include a push rod provided to press the cover and releasing pressure on the cover when a signal is applied to the switch.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle, a dust collector, and an extension pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the dust collector, and a docking station provided to charge and mount the vacuum cleaner, wherein the docking station includes a main body including a housing, a suction portion provided to suction and remove foreign substances collected in the dust collector, a recessed portion recessed from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing to accommodate a portion of the extension pipe, and a supporter coupled to the housing to support the main body and forming an accommodation space in which the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is accommodated between the main body and the supporter, a rod driving portion provided to maintain a closed state of the dust collector by pressing a cover of the dust collector, and a switch releasing the pressurization of the rod driving portion and receiving a signal from an outside to operate the suction portion.

The rod driving portion may include a rod driving motor provided to generate power and a connecting rod having one end coupled to the rod driving motor and the other end coupled to the push rod to transfer the power to the push rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating that a vacuum cleaner of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is coupled to a docking station;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the rear;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a duct portion of a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from below;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure:

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a rod driving portion shown in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a collecting portion of a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a suction portion of a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust filter portion of a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a supporter of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a supporter of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a push rod of a docking station of a cleaning device presses a cover of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a push rod of a docking station of a cleaning device releases pressure on a cover of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only one preferred example of the disclosure, and there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings in this specification at the time of filing of the present application.

In addition, the same reference numerals or numerals presented in each drawing in this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

In addition, terms used in this specification are used to describe embodiments, and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and does not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms including original numbers such as “first” and “second” used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

It is an aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure to provide a cleaning device including a docking station capable of automatically discharging dust from a dust collector only when a user desires, while simultaneously charging a vacuum cleaner in a mounted state.

Moreover, it is an aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure to provide a cleaning device including a docking station rotatably provided in a state in which a vacuum cleaner is mounted.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating that a vacuum cleaner 1 of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is coupled to a docking station 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a docking station 2 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure which is viewed from the rear. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , a cleaning device may include a vacuum cleaner 1 and a docking station 2 in which the vacuum cleaner 1 is seated.

The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a cleaner body 14 and a dust collector 10 detachably coupled to the cleaner body 14. The dust collector 10 may be provided to collect foreign substances moved into the vacuum cleaner 1.

The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a suction nozzle 13 and an extension pipe 12.

The suction nozzle 13 may be provided to suction external foreign substances into the vacuum cleaner 1. The extension pipe 12 may be provided to connect the cleaner body 14 and the suction nozzle 13 to form a path along which foreign substances move. The suctioned foreign substances may be moved to the dust collector 10 through the cleaner body 14 and collected. That is, the extension pipe 12 may be provided to connect the suction nozzle 13 and the dust collector 10. The vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided in a form in which the cleaner body 14 is mounted in front of the extension pipe 12. In addition, the dust collector 10 connected to the cleaner body 14 may also be disposed in front of the extension pipe 12. In this case, the front side may be defined as a front side of a user when the user grips the vacuum cleaner 1.

The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a handle 15 connected to the cleaner body 14 and the extension pipe 12. In detail, the handle 15 may be coupled to the upper part of the cleaner body 14 and the extension pipe 12. The user may perform cleaning while moving the vacuum cleaner 1 by gripping the handle 15.

When the vacuum cleaner 1 is mounted on the docking station 2, the suction nozzle 13 may be accommodated in an accommodation space formed in the docking station 2. Details regarding this will be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the docking station 2 may include a main body 100 and a supporter 200 supporting the main body 100.

The main body 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may include a first housing 111, a second housing 112, a third housing 113, and a fourth housing 114.

The main body 100 may include a duct portion 120 accommodated inside the housing 110, a rod driving portion 130, a collecting portion 140, a suction portion 150 and an exhaust filter portion 160. A detailed configuration related to this will be described below.

The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may form an upper exterior of the docking station 2. More specifically, the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be coupled to each other to form a front and a rear appearance of the docking station 2. The duct portion 120 and the collecting portion 140 may be accommodated inside the first housing 111 and the second housing 112.

The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be provided to have long axes extending in one direction. Specifically, the long axes of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may preferably be provided to extend in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the docking station 2 may be provided in a shape extending substantially in the vertical direction. In addition, the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be formed to have curved surfaces. Accordingly, the docking station 2 may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape.

The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may form the lower exterior of the docking station 2. More specifically, the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may be coupled to each other to form front and rear exteriors of the docking station 2. The third housing 113 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first housing 111, and the fourth housing 114 may be coupled to a lower portion of the second housing 112. The suction portion 150 and the exhaust filter portion 160 may be accommodated in the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114.

The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may be provided to have long axes extending in one direction. Specifically, the long axes of the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may preferably be provided to extend in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the docking station 2 may be provided in a shape extending substantially in the vertical direction. In addition, the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may be formed to have curved surfaces corresponding to the shapes of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112. Accordingly, the docking station 2 may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape.

The docking station 2 may include recessed portions 112 b and 114 b. The recessed portions 112 b and 114 b may include a first recessed portion 112 b and a second recessed portion 114 b.

The first recessed portion 112 b may be formed in the second housing 112. More specifically, the first recessed portion 112 b may be provided to be recessed from an outside of the second housing 112 to an inside of the second housing 112. A part of the extension pipe 12 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be accommodated in the first recessed portion 112 b.

The second recessed portion 114 b may be formed in the fourth housing 114. More specifically, the first recessed portion 112 b may be provided to be recessed from the outside of the fourth housing 114 to the inside of the fourth housing 114. A part of the extension pipe 12 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be accommodated in the second recessed portion 114 b.

As the second housing 112 and the fourth housing 114 are arranged vertically, the first recessed portion 112 b and the second recessed portion 114 b may be connected to each other. Accordingly, a part of the upper portion of the extension pipe 12 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be accommodated in the first recessed portion 112 b, and a part of the lower portion of the extension pipe 12 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be accommodated in the second recessed portion 114 b.

The third housing 113 may include a first exhaust hole 113 a. The fourth housing 114 may include a second exhaust hole 114 a. Since the suction portion 150 is accommodated in the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114, there is a need to discharge the suctioned air to the outside. To this end, the first exhaust hole 113 a and the second exhaust hole 114 a are formed in the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 so that the air suctioned through the suction portion 150 may be discharged to the outside via the exhaust filter portion 160.

The main body 110 may include a docking frame 121 (see FIG. 4 ) coupled to upper portions of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112.

The dust collector 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be seated on the docking frame 121. A charging terminal 170 may be mounted on the docking frame 121 and exposed to the outside. The charging terminal 170 may supply power to the vacuum cleaner 1 while in contact with a charging portion 20 of the vacuum cleaner 1 to be described below.

The supporter 200 may be coupled to the housing 110 of the main body 100. More specifically, the supporter 200 may be coupled to the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114. That is, the supporter 200 may be coupled to the lower portion of the main body 100.

The supporter 200 may form an accommodation space in which the suction nozzle 13 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is accommodated at one side of the main body 100. Details regarding this will be described below.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of duct portion 120 of a docking station 2 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 1 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure which is viewed from below. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of docking station 2 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the rod driving portion 130 of FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the main body 100 may include a duct portion 120 provided inside of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112.

The duct portion 120 may include a docking frame 121, a coupling frame 122 and a duct 123.

The docking frame 121 may be provided in an annular shape having an approximate hollow. The docking frame 121 may be provided so that the charging terminal 170 and an electrode fixing member 171 are mounted thereon. A switch 129 to be described below may be coupled to the docking frame 121.

The coupling frame 122 may be coupled to a lower side of the docking frame 121. The coupling frame 122 may also be provided in an annular shape having a hollow.

The duct 123 may be mounted on a lower side of the coupling frame 122. The duct 123 may be provided so that foreign substances collected in the dust collector 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 move to a dust bag 146.

An opening 126 may be formed at an upper portion of the duct 123. Through this, when the vacuum cleaner 1 is mounted, foreign substances from the dust collector 10 may move into the duct 123. That is, the opening 126 of the duct 123 may be provided to correspond to the diameter of a cover 11 of the dust collector 10 to be described below.

A dust outlet 125 may be formed at a lower portion of the duct 123. Accordingly, the foreign substances discharged from the dust collector 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may move into the duct 123 and then pass through the dust outlet 125, moving to the collecting portion 140.

The duct 123 may include a recessed surface 123 a and a rod passage hole 124 formed therein. The recessed surface 123 a may be recessed from an outside of the duct 123 to an inside of the duct 123.

As the recessed surface 123 a is formed, a driving portion seating space 127 may be provided on one side of the duct 123. The driving portion seating space 127 may be formed the outside of the duct 123. More specifically, the driving portion seating space 127 is formed between the recessed surface 123 a of the duct 123 and a cover frame 128 to be described below, so that the rod driving portion 130 to be described below may be accommodated therein.

The rod passage hole 124 may be provided to allow a push rod 134 (see FIG. 6 ) of the rod driving portion 130 to pass therethrough. The rod passage hole 124 may be formed on the recessed surface 123 a so that the push rod 134 may move up and down by passing through the duct 123. Details regarding this will be described below.

The duct portion 120 may include the cover frame 128, the switch 129, and the rod driving portion 130.

The cover frame 128 may be disposed behind the first housing 111. The cover frame 128 may be provided inside the first housing 111.

The switch 129 may be coupled to the upper side of the cover frame 128. In addition; the switch 129 may be provided so as to be mounted on the docking frame 121 and exposed to an outside of the docking frame 121. The switch 129 may be provided to receive a dust discharge signal from the outside. More specifically, the switch 129 may be provided so that a duct discharge operation may be performed when the user desires to discharge dust from the dust collector 10.

The rod driving portion 130 may operate based on a signal transmitted by the switch 129. The switch 129 and the rod driving portion 130 may be connected in a wired manner or wireless communication. That is, as long as a signal is applied to the switch 129 and the switch 129 transfers the signal to the rod driving portion 130, it is not limited to any method. In addition, the switch 129 may also be connected to a driving device 153 to be described below. The detailed configuration of the rod driving portion will be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the vacuum cleaner 1 may include the cover 11 rotatably provided to open and close the dust collector 10. One end of the cover 11 may be connected to one side of the dust collector 10 by a hinge.

The vacuum cleaner 1 may include the charging portion 20. The charging portion 20 may be provided to receive power from a charging terminal of the docking station 2. The charging portion 20 may be provided between the dust collector 10 and the extension pipe 12.

As shown in FIG. 6 , as the charging terminal 170 of the docking station 2 is provided to be exposed to the outside, the charging portion 20 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be in contact with the charging terminal of the docking station 2 and charged.

Accordingly, the user may charge the vacuum cleaner at the same time as the vacuum cleaner is docked, thereby reducing the hassle of separately charging the vacuum cleaner.

The electrode fixing member 171 may be provided to be connected to the first recessed portion 112 b. Through this, a part of the extension pipe 12 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be provided to be seated on the outer surface of the electrode fixing member 171.

The configuration of the rod driving portion 130 will be described in detail with references to FIGS. 4 and 7 .

The rod driving portion 130 may include a mounting body 131, a rod driving motor 132, a connecting rod 133, a push rod 134, and a power supply unit 135.

The mounting body 131 may be provided to accommodate the rod driving motor 132, the connecting rod 133 and the power supply unit 135. The mounting body 131 may be provided to accommodate a portion of the push rod 134. The mounting body 131 may be substantially provided in a box shape with two surfaces open. However, the shape of the mounting body 131 is not limited thereto.

The rod driving motor 132 may be provided to provide power. The connecting rod 133 may be coupled to the rod driving motor 132 and may be rotatably provided based on rotation of the motor.

The connecting rod 133 may be provided to transmit power to the push rod 134. More specifically, the connecting rod 133 may have one end coupled to the rod driving motor 132 and the other end coupled to the push rod 134.

The connecting rod 133 may include a body 133 a and a protrusion 133 b. The body 133 a of the connecting rod 133 may be provided in a substantially flat bar shape. The protrusion 133 b of the connecting rod 133 may extend in the vertical direction from the body 133 a. Specifically the protrusion 133 b of the connecting rod 133 may extend toward the push rod 134.

The push rod 134 may be provided to press the cover 11 of the dust collector 10. The push rod 134 may include a pressing portion 134 a in contact with the cover 11 and an interference portion 134 b connected to the connecting rod 133.

The pressing portion 134 a of the push rod 134 may pass through the rod passage hole 124 and be movable into the duct 123.

The interference portion 134 b of the push rod 134 may be provided as a cut portion. The interference portion 134 b of the push rod 134 may be provided so that the protrusion 133 b of the connecting rod 133 is inserted. Through this, based on the rotation of the connecting rod 133, the push rod 134 may move up and down.

The power supply unit 135 may be coupled to the inside of the mounting body 131. The power supply unit 135 may be provided to provide power to the rod driving motor 132. In addition, a control unit (not shown) may be included in the power supply unit 135 to receive a signal from the switch 129.

A detailed operation of the rod driving portion 130 according to the switch 129 will be described below.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a collecting portion 140 of a docking station 2 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Referring FIGS. 3 and 8 , the main body 100 may include the collecting portion 140 provided inside the first housing 111 and the second housing 112.

The collecting portion 140 may include the mounting frame 141, the dust bag 146 detachably coupled to the inside of the mounting frame 141, and a dust bag cover 144 coupled to the mounting frame 141 at a front of the dust bag 146.

The mounting frame 141 may include a dust inlet 142 informed on an upper portion thereof. The mounting frame 141 may communicate with the dust outlet 125 formed in the duct 123 of the duct portion 120 through the dust inlet 142. Accordingly the foreign substances moved through the duct 120 may be collected in the collecting portion 140.

The dust bag 146 may be coupled to the inside of the mounting frame 141. Foreign substances passing through the duct portion 120 through the dust inlet 142 of the mounting frame 141 may be collected in the dust bag 146.

A fixing member 147 may be coupled to an upper portion of the dust bag 146. Since the dust bag 146 is made of a relatively flexible material, the dust bag 146 may be stably placed inside the mounting frame 141 through the fixing member 147. In addition, when the user replaces the dust bag 146, the replacement may be easily performed by gripping the fixing member 147.

The dust bag cover 144 may be provided to cover the front of the dust bag 146. The dust bag cover 144 may be coupled to the mounting frame 141 to accommodate the dust bag 146 therein.

The collecting portion 140 may include a sealing member 143. The sealing member 143 may be provided to prevent foreign substances introduced into the dust inlet 142 from leaking out of the mounting frame 141. A gap between the dust bag 146 and the mounting frame 141 may be sealed through the sealing member 143.

The collecting portion 140 may include a filtering portion 145.

The filtering portion 145 may be disposed at a lower side of the mounting frame 141 and the dust bag cover 144. Foreign substances that have not flowed into the dust bag 146 may accumulate in the filtering portion 145. Through this, it may be provided so that foreign substances do not flow into the suction portion 150 located below the collecting portion 140.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a suction portion 150 of a docking station 2 of a cleaning station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust filter portion 160 of a docking station 2 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring FIG. 9 , the suction portion 150 may include a first motor cover 151, the driving device 153, and a second motor cover 153. The suction portion 150 may be disposed inside the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114. The suction portion 150 may be provided inside the main body 100 to remove foreign substances collected in the dust collector 10.

The first motor cover 151 and the second motor cover 154 may be coupled to each other. The driving device 153 may be disposed inside the first motor cover 151 and the second motor cover 154.

The first motor cover 151 may include an air flow hole 152. Accordingly, the suction force generated from the driving device 153 may reach the collecting portion 140 and the duct portion 120.

The driving device 153 may generate suction force by providing power. The driving device 153 may include components such as a motor and a fan. That is, an air flow that suctions foreign substances from the dust collector 10 may be formed by the driving force 153.

Referring FIGS. 9 and 10 , a portion of the exhaust filter portion 160 may be disposed inside the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114.

The exhaust filter portion 160 may include an accommodating frame 161 and a filter 162. The accommodating frame 161 may be provided to accommodate the filter 162. The accommodating frame 161 may be coupled to the second motor cover 154 of the suction portion 150.

The driving device 153 of the suction portion 150 may suction air from the top of the docking station 2, and the suctioned air may pass through the exhaust filter portion 160. Aft passing through the exhaust filter portion 160 may be discharged to the outside through the first exhaust hole 113 a of the third housing 113 and the second exhaust hole 114 a of the fourth housing 114. By disposing the filter 162 inside, it is possible to increase indoor comfort by preventing dust from escaping to the outside when the dust collector 10 is discharging dust.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a supporter 200 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a supporter 200 of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the docking station 2 may include the supporter 200 supporting the main body 100. The supporter 200 may include a fixing portion 220 and a rotating porting 210 provided to rotate with respect to the fixing portion 220.

The rotating portion 210 may include a first frame 213, a reinforcing frame 212 and a second frame 211.

The first frame 213 may include a support portion 213 a provided to be coupled with the housing 110 of the main body 100. The support portion 213 a may be provided in a substantially hollow annular shape. The filter 162 may be seated on an upper end of the support portion 213 a.

The first frame 213 may include an extension portion 213 b that obliquely extends downward from one end of the support portion 213 a. The extension portion 213 b may be provided to connect a nozzle seating portion 213 c, which will be described below, to the support portion 213 a. In the docking station 2 of the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the extension portion 213 b is illustrated as being provided as one, but the number of extension portions is not limited thereto.

The first frame 213 may include the nozzle seating portion 213 c that is connected to the extension portion 213 b and includes a surface facing the support portion 213 a. The nozzle seating portion 213 c may be provided to form an accommodation space 218 in which the suction nozzle 13 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is accommodated between the support portion 213 a. The nozzle seating portion 213 c may be provided in a substantially circular shape, but its shape is not limited thereto.

The nozzle seating portion 213 c may be provided to have a larger volume than the support portion 213 a, This is to make the housing 110 of the main body 100 of the docking station 2 as slim as possible, but to support the weight of the vacuum cleaner 1 on the floor when the vacuum cleaner 1 is seated on the docking station 2. Accordingly, the extension portion 213 b of the first frame 213 may be obliquely provided to prevent invasion into the accommodation space where the suction nozzle 13 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is accommodated, while the load of the main body 100 and the vacuum cleaner 1 is supported on the floor surface.

The second frame 211 may be coupled to the first frame 213. The second frame 211 may also be coupled to the housing 110 of the body 100. The second frame 211 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the support portion 213 a and the extension portion 213 b of the first frame 213.

The first frame 213 and the second frame 211 may be provided to form the appearance of the supporter 200. More specifically, the first frame 213 may be provided to form the rear exterior of the supporter 200 of the docking station 2; and the second frame 211 may be provided to form the front exterior of the supporter 200 of the docking station 2.

The reinforcing frame 212 may be coupled between the first frame 213 and the second frame 211. The reinforcing frame 212 may be provided to reinforce strength against a load applied to the extension 213 b of the first frame 213.

The rotating portion 210 may include a side frame 215 and a coupling frame 216. The side frame 215 may be coupled to an edge of the first frame 213. The side frame 215 may be formed in a substantially hollow annular shape.

The coupling frame 216 may be coupled to the lower side of the side frame 215. The coupling frame 216 may be formed to include a surface facing the nozzle seating portion 213 c of the first frame 213. The coupling frame 216 may include a coupling portion 216 a extending upward. The coupling portion 216 a may be inserted into and coupled to the inside of the reinforcing frame 212.

The rotating portion 210 may include a moving frame 217. The moving frame 217 may be coupled to the lower side of the side frame 215. The moving frame 217 is disposed at the lowermost end of the rotating portion 210 and may be disposed to face a rail frame 224 of the fixing unit 220 to be described below. The moving frame 217 may be provided to contact the rail frame 224.

The fixing portion 220 may include a support plate 221 and a bottom plate 222. The support plate 221 may form the bottom surface of the docking station 2. The bottom frame 222 may be coupled to an edge of the support plate 221. The bottom frame 222 may be exposed to the outside of the docking station 2 and provided to form the appearance of the supporter 200.

The fixing portion 220 may be provided to accommodate a power supply unit 225. The fixing portion 220 may include a power cover member 226.

The power supply unit 225 and the power cover member 226 may be seated on the upper surface of the support plate 221. Various circuit boards and wires may be disposed in the power supply unit 225. The power cover member 226 may be provided to cover the power supply unit 225 and protect the power supply unit 225 from impact of the outside.

The fixing portion 220 may include a fixed frame 223 and a rail frame 224.

The fixed frame 223 may be coupled to the bottom frame 222 with an edge portion of the support plate 221 interposed therebetween. The fixed frame 223 and the moving frame 217 may be provided in a ring shape. However, the shape is not limited thereto.

The moving frame 217 may be provided to be movable on the upper portion of the rail frame 224. More specifically, a plurality of balls may be disposed on the rail frame 224 to minimize friction between the moving frame 217 and the rail frame 224. However, the rotation method of the moving frame 217 is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various ways.

Accordingly, an upper part of the rotating portion 210 may be coupled to the main body 100, and a lower part of the rotating portion 210 may be rotatably coupled with respect to the fixing portion 220. Through this, the vacuum cleaner 1, the main body 100 of the docking station 2, and the rotating portion 210 of the supporter 200 of the docking station 2 may be rotatably provided with respect to the fixing portion 220 as one part.

Therefore, when the user docks the vacuum cleaner 1 onto the docking station 2 after using the vacuum cleaner 1, the first housing 111 and the third housing 113 of the docking station 2, not the vacuum cleaner 1, may be rotated to face the user and be stored. Through this, overall aesthetics of the cleaning device may be improved when the vacuum cleaner 1 is stored. In addition, since the docking station 2 is rotatably provided, convenience of the user may be increased.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a push rod of a docking station of a cleaning device presses a cover of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a push rod of a docking station of a cleaning device releases pressure on a cover of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring FIGS. 13 and 14 , the operation of the push rod 134 when a signal is applied to the switch 129 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13 , when a dust discharge signal is not applied to the switch 129, the rod driving portion 130 does not operate. That the rod driving portion 130 does not operate means a state in which the push rod 134 is inserted into the duct 123 by the connecting rod 133.

The user may input a dust discharge signal through the switch 129.

In this case, the pressing portion 134 a of the push rod 134 is pressing the cover 11 of the dust collector 10. When the dust collector 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is mounted on the docking station 2, the cover 11 provided to open and close the dust collector 10 may be opened at any time.

In other words, when the vacuum cleaner 1 is not mounted on the docking station 2, an interference member (not shown) may interfere with the cover 11 of the dust collector 10 so that the cover 11 does not rotate.

However, when the vacuum cleaner 1 is mounted on the docking station 2, the interference portion 134 b may be pressed so as not to interfere with the cover 11 any more. The interference portion 134 b may be provided to be connected to a member having elasticity, but the concept is not limited thereto.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the push rod 134 presses a portion of the cover 11, the cover 11 maintains the dust collector 10 in a closed state.

In addition, when a dust discharge signal is not applied to the switch 129, the driving device 13 of the suction portion 150 also does not operate. That is, the switch 129 may be provided to transmit an operation signal to the rod driving motor 132 and the driving device 153.

Therefore, in this case, the dust discharge operation of the dust collector 10 is not performed.

As shown in FIG. 14 , when a dust discharge signal is applied to the switch 129, the rod driving portion 130 operates. More specifically, the rod driving motor 132 may operate.

When the rod driving motor 132 operates, the connecting rod 133 may rotate. The connecting rod 133 may rotate from a state of lying horizontally with respect to the ground to a state of being erected vertically with respect to the ground. Through this, the protrusions 133 b of the connecting rod 133 may press the interference portion 134 b of the push rod 134 downward. Thus, the push rod 134 descends.

As the push rod 134 descends, the pressure applied to the cover 11 of the dust collector 10 may be released. Thus, the cover 11 of the dust collector 10 may be opened.

In addition, when a dust discharge signal is applied to the switch 129, the driving device 153 of the suction portion 150 may be operated. Therefore, the foreign substances collected in the dust collector 10 may be suctioned toward the collecting portion 140. That is, foreign substances inside the dust collector 10 may pass through the duct portion 120 and move to the collection portion 140 to be collected in the dust bag 146.

Therefore, regardless of whether the vacuum cleaner 1 is mounted and charged, the user may determine whether to perform the dust collecting operation of the dust collector 10 according to the user's intention.

Through this, undesired noise that may occur when dust is discharged may be prevented, and convenience of the use may be improved.

In addition, since the docking station 2 of the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a recessed portion for accommodating the extension pipe 12 of the vacuum cleaner 1, and an accommodation space for accommodating the suction nozzle 13 is formed at the bottom thereof, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be docked more compactly.

Through this, the space occupied by the cleaning device may be minimized, and thus the appearance aesthetics may be improved.

In addition, since the dust collector 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1 does not need to be separately docked onto the docking station 2, the convenience of the user may be increased.

In the above, specific embodiments have been illustrated and described. However, it is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes without departing from the gist of the technical concept of the disclosure described in the claims below.

By allowing the vacuum cleaner to be charged simultaneously with being docked onto the docking station, the inconvenience of separately charging the vacuum cleaner can be reduced.

By discharging foreign substances in the dust collector of the vacuum cleaner only when a dust discharge signal is input to the docking station by the user, undesired noise generated when dust is discharged can be prevented.

By providing the docking station and the vacuum cleaner mounted on the docking station to be rotatable with respect to the ground, it is possible to improve external aesthetics and increase user convenience when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning device comprising: a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle, a dust collector, and an extension pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the dust collector; and a docking station to which the vacuum cleaner is dockable, and being configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, charge the vacuum cleaner, the docking station including: a main body including a housing, a suction portion inside the main body and configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, remove foreign substances collected in the dust collector, a recessed portion recessed from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing, and a supporter coupled to the housing to support the main body and forming an accommodation space, wherein the recessed portion and the accommodation space are configured so that, to dock the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, a portion of the extension pipe is accommodated in the recessed portion and the suction nozzle is accommodated in the accommodation space at one side of the main body.
 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the docking station includes: a docking frame coupled to the housing and configured so that, to dock the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, the dust collector is seated on the docking frame, and a charge terminal mounted on the docking frame, and the vacuum cleaner further includes a charging portion between the dust collector and the extension pipe and configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, receive power from the charging terminal.
 3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the docking station further includes: a switch coupled to the docking frame and configured to receive a dust discharge signal, and a rod driving portion configured to operate based on a signal transmitted by the switch.
 4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the docking station further includes: a duct configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, move foreign substances collected in the dust collector to a dust bag, the duct including a recessed surface recessed from the outside to the inside, and a driving portion seating space formed on an outside of the duct by the recessed surface.
 5. The cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the rod driving portion is accommodated in the driving portion seating space.
 6. The cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the dust collector includes a cover that is rotatable to open and close the dust collector, and the rod driving portion includes a push rod configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, press the cover.
 7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the duct includes a rod passage hole formed in the recessed surface so that the push rod ascends and descends by passing through the duct.
 8. The cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the rod driving portion includes: a rod driving motor configured to generate power, and a connecting rod having one end coupled to the rod driving motor and an other end coupled to the push rod so as to transmit the power to the push rod.
 9. The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the connecting rod includes a protrusion extending toward the push rod, and the push rod includes an interference portion configured to allow the protrusion to be inserted thereinto.
 10. The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the suction portion includes a driving device configured to provide power to generate a suction force, and the rod driving motor and the driving device are configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, operate to discharge dust from the dust collector as a signal is applied to the switch.
 11. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the push rod is configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, descend to release the pressure on the cover as the signal is applied to the switch.
 12. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the supporter includes: a fixing portion configured to accommodate a power supply unit and form a bottom surface of the docking station, and a rotating portion having an upper part coupled to the main body and a lower part coupled to the fixing portion, the rotating portion being rotatable with respect to the fixing portion.
 13. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the rotating portion includes: a first frame coupled to the housing, a side frame coupled to an edge of the first frame, and a moving frame coupled to a lower portion of the side frame and configured to come into contact with a rail frame of the fixing portion.
 14. The cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein the first frame includes: a support portion configured to be coupled to the housing, an extension portion obliquely extending downward from one end of the support portion, and a nozzle seating portion connected to the extension portion and including a surface facing the support portion, the nozzle seating portion forming the accommodation space between the support portion and the nozzle seating portion.
 15. The cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein the vacuum cleaner, the main body of the docking station, and the rotating portion of the docking station are, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, rotatable with respect to the fixing portion as one part. 